Tina Charles. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
The New York Liberty (0-2) dropped a heartbreaking home opener to the 2017 WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx (2-1) by a final score of 78-72, in the first ever game at the Westchester County Center.
Playing in front of a packed house the New York Liberty competed in a back-and forth affair with the Lynx, in the end it was a 25-foot three-point dagger from from Maya Moore, with 19.5 seconds left to play that gave the reigning Champs the victory. The game saw five ties and 14 lead chances in a thriller of a game.
“I’m never surprised when Maya let’s it go.” Tina Charles began. “There are more chances of her making it than missing it, especially with the game on the line. That’s her time. Again, it was great defense, there are other things that led to that opportunity that we shouldn’t have even let them have that opportunity or think it was a game for them.”
Charles was one of the offensive leaders for the New York Liberty, finishing with 18 points on 50-percent shooting, while also coming down with a team-high 12 boards. She played an amazing 30 minutes tonight. Rookie Kia Nurse continues to impress for New York, as she recorded 14 points, while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out two assists.
Nurse also knocked down a clutch triple from Shavonte Zellous’ that rewarded New York a four-point lead at the 1:39 mark of the fourth-quarter. The reserve was a 50-percent three-point shooter on the night.
“Personally, I see myself doing whatever role the team needs me to do.” Nurse stated. “When I came here and got drafted I had the opportunity to play anywhere. This was a great fit for me and a place I really wanted to be with. I wanted an opportunity to play with the great vets and I get to learn from the great coaching staff as well. So, if my role is to come off the bench and play some defense than I am all for it.”
Zellous ended with nine points at the team’s new home after not being able to connect last Sunday.
“We’re excited that the fans came out to support us for the home opener.” Zellous added. “We just hope they continue to support us throughout the season.”
New York will look to earn the first home victory of the year as they will host the Dallas Wings at the Westchester County Center on Tuesday, May 29 for a 7:00 p.m. (ET) tip-off.
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